Container closing machine



March 16, 1965 J. B. WILSON CONTAINER CLOSING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 5, 1959 IN VE N TOR JOHN 8- WILSON K W ATTORNEY f March 16, 1965 J. B. WILSON 3 9 CONTAINER CLOSING MACHINE Filed Feb. 5, 1959 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

JOHN B. WILSON ATTORNEY March 16, 1965 J. B. WILSON 3,173,394

CONTAINER CLOSING MACHINE Filed Feb. 3, 1959 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR.

JOHN B- WILSON ATTORNEY S March 16, 1965 J. B. WILSON 3,173,394

CONTAINER CLOSING MACHINE Filed Feb. 3, 1959 9 Sheets-Sheet 4 F I6. I 2 INVENTOR.

JOHN 8. WILSON ATTORNEY 5 March 16, 1965 J. B. WILSON 3,173,394

CONTAINER CLOSING MACHINE Filed Feb. 3, 1959 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 I6 I7 3% FIG- I8 JOJWLTEZN BY X ATTORNEY5 March 16, 1965 Filed Feb. 3, 1959 J. B. WILSON CONTAINER CLOSING MACHINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR. JOHN B. WILSON ATTORNEY 5 March 16, 1965 J. B. WILSON 3, 7

CONTAINER CLOSING MACHINE Filed Feb. 3, 1959 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 I80 -1- [12 I82 I52 35 I78 INVENTOR.

JOHN 8. WILSON I80 BY FIG.29 FIG.35

ATTORAEY) March 16, 1965 J 5, WILSON 3,173,394

CONTAINER CLOSING MACHINE Filed Feb. 3, 1959 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 $8 196 FIG-36 F I G. 3 8

I as w 1' E I i 3 88 l 384 37s I m 382 3 so se F I G. 3 9

INVENTOR.

JOHN 8. WILSON ATTORNEY)" March 16, 1965 J. B. WILSON 3,173,394

CONTAINER CLOSING MACHINE Filed Feb. 3, 1959 9 Sheets-Shet 9 Will JOHN 5. WILSON FIG. 40 BY QVWM ATTORNEY) United States Patent Ofiice 3,173,394 O INE LQSING MACEH John W I o J h s afi d County a, a ie r to Reynolds Metals Company, Richmond, Va., a corporation of Delaware Fiied Feb. 3, 1959, Ser. No. 790,921 11 Claims. (61. 11330) This invention relates to a container closing machine. It is particularly adapted for operation with rectangular aluminum sheet receptacles of the character disclosed in the Gordon Hammond Patents 2,595,849; of May 6, 1952, and 2,664,060 of December 29, 19.53. This invention improves not only the components of the machine disclosed in these patents, but also combines for automatic operation in one machine the separate functions of the prior patent machines.

The above earlier Hammond patent discloses a machine for placing covers on receptacles that have been packed with commodities, but does not disclose how the covers and receptacles can be criniped and sealed together automatically without manual handling. The above later Hammond patent discloses how containers with the covers on them may be manually held under a crimping machine to crimp the upper edges of the covers and receptacles and thus seal them together. However, there is no suggestion that the functions of these two prior machines should be combined in one unitary machine in a manner to eliminate the necessity of manual handling of the containers and covers. Also, there is no suggestion how this can be accomplished.

Accordingto this invention, containers are packed with commodities on a filling line conveyor, and are fed by this conveyor .on a platform adjacent a continuously moving belt system by which the containers are serially transported directly under a crimping mechanism. There the first container of the series is elevated automatically to a waiting cover, and the receptacle and cover are then automatically elevated to a crimping mechanism where the upper edges of the cover and receptacle are automatically .crimped together. The crimped cover and receptacle are then automatically lowered and returned to the conveyor system, by which they are transported to marl;- ing and packing zones. In the meantime, the remaining receptacles on the conveyor system are automatically arrested in their forward motion until the first receptacle has been covered, crimped, returned to the conveyor system and has traveled beyond the crimping zone. The cycle is then automatically repeated on the next receptacle which had been arrested on the conveyor system. Additionally simplified adjustments and modifications for dilierent sizes of covers and receptacles are provided.

The earlier Hammond patent discloses mechanism for serially transferring covers from a stack onto receptacles. According to this inventioma novel, simple and improved mechanism is provided for transferrin gthe covers from a stack to the receptacles. Also, the mechanism of this invention is readily adjusted and modified fo different sizes of covers and receptacles.

The later Hammond patent discloses a crimping mechanisrnfor crimping the topedges of a receptacle and cover while they are manually held under the mechanism. According to this invention, the receptacle and cover are automatically elevated to the correct height into the lower part oftlhc crimping mechanism, and the cover and receptacle are then automatically crimped, released, lowered and deposited on a conveyor to be transported away from the crimping zone.

Additionally the crimping mechanismof this invention is simplified and improved, and is readily modified and adjusted for different sizes of receptacles and covers.

3 ,173,394 Patented Mar. 16, 1965 Hence an object of this invention is to provide an im- Pro e a hine c pa le of over ng a crimpi or otherwise sealing containers in one continuous automatic p tion- Another object of this invention is to provide an improved m chi for o er g nt ine Another object of this invention is to provide an improved machine for crimping or otherwise sealing covers on containers.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved machine for dispensing covers, or other container parts for a stack of said covers or container parts.

Another object of this invention is to provide new and useful methods wherein a container is automatically fed to a container and cover crimping or attaching zone, and a cover is fed to said container and said container and ve re ati a y moved to. sai z Where ai container and cover are crimped or otherwise attached together, and are then automatically removedfrom s' aid zone.

Further objects will become apparent as the descrip tion proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawingsQin which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevation of the machine.

UR 2 is a P P w o a portion f FI R 1, taken from the line 2-2 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is an end eleyation from the right side of F URE 1 i h c rt in grt cns m t FIGURE 4 is an enlarged elevation of one of the cams shown in FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 5 is a plan view of FIGURE ,4.

FIGURE 6 is a si e view of the lower part of the drive for the attaching mechanism.

\ FIGURE 7 a side View of the trigger for stopping the receptacle to be covered, and for actuating the switch to initiate the receptacle raising cycle.

FIGURE 8 is a cross-section along line 8.-8 of FIG- DRE 7.

FIGURE 9 is a side view of the receptacle raising head.

FJLGURE 10 is an elevation taken from the line 10-1-10 of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a View in with the cover attached.

FIGURE 12 is a cross-section of one side of ,a receptacle and cover before attachment of the cover and receptacle. V

FIGURE 13 is a cross-section of a portion of the cover and receptacle crimping and attaching mechanism.

FIGURE 14 is a side elevation of the cover chute.

FIGURE '15 is a top view of FIGURE 14 taken from line 1515- FIGURE 1.6 is a cross-section of FIGURE 15 taken, along :the line 16-16 ar FIGURE 15.

FIGURE 17 is a cross-section taken along the line 1717 of FIGURE 15.

FIGURE 18 is a cross-section 1818 of FIGURE 15.

FIGURE 19 is a side elevation of the cover stack holder; supporting plate therefor, co'ver dispenser, and cover chute, shown on a reduced scale.

FIGURE 20 is adiag'rammatic planyiewto show the drive mechanisms for the various elements. v 9

FIGURE 2.1 is an end view creams parts of FIG- URE 20, taken from the line 21-21 of FIGURE 20.

FIGURE 22 is a side elevationof the cover stack, cover dispenser, and drive'therefor. h

FIGURE 23 is a wiring diagram of the controls for the machine. 9

FIGURE 24 is a topview of the central crimping plate.

FIGURE 25 is an elevation taken from the line :2525 of FIGURE 24. i

perspective of a receptacle taken along the line FIGURE 26 is a top view of one of the side crimping plates.

FIGURE 27 is an end elevation taken along the line 27--27 of FIGURE 26.

FIGURE 28 is an enlargement of a corner of FIG- URE 24.

FIGURE 29 is a cross-section along the line 29-29 of FIGURE 28.

FIGURE 30 is a :top view of another side crimping plalte.

FIGURE 31 is an end view taken along the line 31-31 of FIGURE 30.

- FIGURE 32 is an enlarged portion of FIGURE 30.

FIGURE 33 is a cross-section along the line 33-33 of FIGURE 32.

FIGURE 34 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG- URE 26.

FIGURE 35 is a cross-section along the line 35-35 of FIGURE 34.

FIGURE 36 is an end view of the crimping arm pivot holder.

FIGURE 37 is a bottom view of FIGURE 36 taken along the line 3737 of FIGURE 36.

FIGURE 38 is an enlarged view of the cover stack holder, dispenser arms, and dispenser vacuum cup.

FIGURE 39 is a top view of FIGURE 38, taken along line 39-39 of FIGURE 38.

- FIGURE 40 is an enlarged view, partly in cross-section, of the crimping mechanism.

FIGURE 41 is a plan view of the vacuum cup.

FIGURE 42 is a cross-section taken along the line 42-42 of FIGURE 41.

Receptacles or containers 50, FIGURES 1, 11 and 12, of the character disclosed in said Hammond patents, are filled with commodities at a loading station, not shown, and which is provided with a filling line conveyor, the end of which is indicated at 53a, FIGURES 1 and 2. The filled receptacles are fed by the conveyor 53a on to the floor, or platform 53, FIGURES 1 and 2, adjacent to the two horizontal belts or cables 55, which are under each of the cantilevered plates 56. The plates 56 are supported so they hang over the conveyor 53a. The continuously operating belts receive the containers from conveyor 53a and slide them along the platform 53 and feed them to the continuously operating conveyor cables 58 which carry them serially leftward, in FIG- URE l. The front filled container (shown in dotted lines at 50a) engages the trigger arms 60, FIGURES 1, 7 and 8, While the elevating head 88 is in its lower position, not shown, below the upper arms 458 of the cables 58. The container 50a drives the arms 60 to the dotted line position 60a where the arms stop the container directly under the crimping mechanism 82. The arms 60, in position 60a, close the cycle starting switch 62, FIGURES 1, 7, 8 and 23, which energizes the magnetic clutch 64, FIGURE 20, to rotate the shafts 70 and 72 for one complete container covering cycle, while the conveyor drive shafts 68 and 74 continuously rotate and continuously drive the conveyor cables 58, as long as the machine is in operation.

The arms 60, in position 60a, also cause a cover 76, FIGURES 11 and 12, to be removed from the bottom of a cover stack 78, FIGURES 1, 19, 22, 38 and 39 and to be fed downwardly, by gravity and air jet 79, FIGURES 14-19, along a chute 80. The cover 76 stops in the opening 81 at the lower end of the chute 80 directly under the crimping mechanism 82, after the receptacle 50a has been covered and moved away from the crimping zone. The cover 76 arises in the opening 81' in time to receive the next receptacle which is about to be raised to crimping position 50b of FIGURE 1, after the first receptacle 50a has been raised, covered, crimped and moved away from the crimping zone.

The chute 80 has a groove 84, FIGURES l5 and 17, along its back edge to receive the longer downward tab 4 86, FIGURE 11, of the cover 76 as it slides down the chute, and the containers 50 have downwardly bent tabs or edges 87, FIGURES l1 and 12, which telescope into the tabs 86 and 86a of covers 76.

The container 50a, FIGURE 1, is elevated by the head 88 through the opening 81, FIGURES 14-18, of the chute to engage the underside of the cover 76 which was fed to opening 81 during the previous cycle. The container and cover are then further raised by the head 88 to the position 50b, FIGURE 1 with their upper edges at the correct elevation in the lower part of the crimping mechanism 82. The arms 60 return to their original position which is slightly to the right of the full line position, FIGURE 1, by swinging under the elevated package 50b and through the slots 89 in head 88, FIG- URE 10. The container and cover are crimped and sealed together by the crimping mechanism 82.

During this crimping operation the next package of the series is being urged leftward by the cables 58, but is prevented from moving under the crimping mechanism 82 by the shape of the elevating head 88, including the small upstanding lip 90 and the slanting rear side shown in FIGURE 9.

The crimped cover and receptacle 50b are lowered by the head 88 and are returned to the conveyor cables 58, while the head 88 continues down slightly below the top runs 458 of the cables 58. The crimped container and cover are carried by the cables 58 to marking and packing zones, such as under any well known marker 92 and to the end of the machine for packing operations or the like.

The next package of the series on the conveyor 58 then moves forward by the frictional drive of the cables 58 as soon as the head 88 is in its lowest position, and operates the arms 60 to start another covering and crimping cycle, The package described in this paragraph is covered by a cover which was fed down chute 80 and into opening 81 during the preceding cycle. This continues as long as there are packages moving forward on the cables 58.

The general operating drive mechanisms Referring to FIGURES 1, 2, 3, 20 and 23, a hand operated double pole switch 94 is closed to start the entire machine in operation. The switch 94 energizes the AC. electric lines 95, DC. lines 95a and rectifier 95b and starts the main motor 96 in operation. The motor continuously drives the conveyor cables 56 and 58 on which the packages frictionally ride. The cables 58 are driven by the shafts 68 and 74, and chain belt 97, which is driven by the sprocket wheel 97a from the gear reduction unit 98 which is continuously driven by the motor 96. The tripping arms 60, in position 60a of FIGURE 1, close the micro switch 62 so it acts as a starting switch for energizing the magnetic clutch 64. This clutch is continuously driven at its power input sprocket wheel 97a by the gear reduction unit 98. The magnetic clutch, when electrically energized, drives the chain belt 99 and the shafts 70 and 72 through one complete package covering and crimping cycle.

Soon after the starting switch 62 is closed, a holding switch 100 is closed by the cam 102 on shaft 72 and closes the circuit to the magnetic clutch 64 throughout the remainder of the cycle. Another switch 104 is actuated by the cam 106 on shaft 72 and energizes the air valve 108, through its solenoid 110, at proper times. The valve 108 controls the flow of atmospheric air from airintake 416 into the suction line 112 of the vacuum pump 114 to impose and release a vacuum from the vacuum pump 114 onto the vacuum cup 116 at proper times for transfer of the lowest cover 76 from the stack 78 to the chute 80. The discharge line 117 of the vacuum pump discharges into the air jet 79 which is in the chute 80.

The vacuum cup 116 is moved up and down by a lever system 120, FIGURE 22, which is driven by the pin 121 of the gear wheel 122. The vacuum cup 116 and part of the lever system 120 operate through the opening 118, FIGURES l4 and 15, of the chute 80.

The vacuumcup 116 pulls the lowest cover 76 from the stack 78 and releases it on the-floor 124 of the chute directlyover the opening 118. The vacuum is broken at this time and the cover is released and slides down the chute to the opening 81. It is aided in its travel down the chute 88 by the air jet 79. The cover 76 which travels down the chute 86 into opening 81 during the cycle now being described, arrives at the opening 81 after the receptacle of such cycle has been covered, crimped, and returned to the conveyor cables 58. This cover will be placed on the receptacle which will be covered and crimped during the next cycle.

During the cycle now being described, the elevator head 88 raises the package 58a, FIGURE 1, up against the lower side of the cover 76 which traveled down the chute into the opening 81 during the previous cycle. The head 88 then raises the package 50, with the cover 76 on it, into the crimping mechanism 82. The crimping levers 124 and 126 are then actuated to crimp the cover and the upper edge of the package, first on the narrow ends, then on the wide sides, and then again on the narrow ends. The second stroke of the levers 126 on the narrow ends of the cover and package improves the corner crimp. This crimps and seals the cover 76 on the receptacle 58 and narrows the tops of the receptacle and cover below the crimp so they readily pass down through the opening 81 in the chute and are deposited on the cables 58.

The cover 76 previously had been wide enough so its outward tabs 86 and 86a rested on the flanges 128, 128a and 12817 of the opening 81, FIGURES 17 and 18, in readiness to receive the upper edges of the upwardly moving receptacle 50a. The crimping mechanism narrows the horizontal extent of these tabs 86 and 86a so they readily pass down through the opening 81 on the down stroke of the head 88. The crimped receptacle and cover are then returned to the conveyor cables 58 and are carried to the marker 92.

A new receptacle is then driven into tripping position by the cables 58, to repeat the cycle.

The crimping mechanism The crimping mechanism 82 is shown in detail in FIGURES 1, 2, 3, 13, 2437, and 40.

It is operated by the vertically reciprocable rod or sleeve 138 which carries the lever actuating plunger 132 at its lower end. The plunger 132 has downwardly bent arms 134, FIGURE 13, which have rollers 136 for actuating the crimping levers 126. The plunger 132 also has substantially straight arms 138, FIGURE 49, with rollers 148 for actuating the crimping levers 124.

The down stroke of plunger 132, FIGURE 13, first moves the levers 126 outwardly as the rollers 136 pass down between the hills 142 of the levers 126. This produces an initial crimp in the narrow ends 144, FIG- URE ll, of the receptacle 50 and cover 76. The plunger 132 continues downwardly so the rollers 136 travel into the valleys 146 .of the levers 126 and permits these levers to move inwardly at the top and outwardly at the bottom about the fulcrums 148. At this latter time the plunger arms 138 and rollers 148, FIGURE 40, reach the hills 150 of the levers 124 and move them outwardly at the top, so their crimping edges 152 at the bottom move inwardly adjacent the stationary crimping edges 154 to crimp the long sides 156 of the receptacle 50 and cover 76, FIGURE 11. The plunger 132 then returns upwardly to permit the tops of the levers 124 to ,move inwardly and simultaneously to move the tops of "levers 126 outwardly as the rollers 136, FIGURE 13, again pass the hills 142. This produces a second crimping action on the new row ends 144 of the receptacle and cover whichhas a benefieial sealing efiect on the corners 155 of the receptacle end cover. The plunger 132 continues upwardly above the position shown in FIGURE 13 to allow the tops of the levers 126 to move inwardly and the bottom crimping edges 158 to move outwardly from the stationary tive levers 124 and 126 by means of screws 166 which pass upwardly through the holes 168 in the plates 162 and 164 and into the bottomsof the levers 124 and 1 26. The outward thrust and adjustment of these plates is accomplished by a plurality of screws 170 which are carried by the lower extensions 171 of the sides of the levers 124 and 126.

The levers 124 and 126 are provided with screws and a helical spring 127 is tied in the form of a closed ring around the levers 124 and 126 and under the heads of the screws 125. The spring 127 exerts a tension pull inwardly on the upper parts of the levers 124 and 126 to urge them inwardly against the rollers 136 and 138, thus to maintain them always in contact with the rollers 136 and 148.

A normally stationary plate 172, FIGURES 24 and 25, is carried by an adjustable, normally stationary platform 174, FIGURES 13, 36, 37 and 40. The plate 172 is secured by the screws 176 to the platform 174. The plate 172 has the edges 154 and heretofore described which cooperate with the edges 152 and 158 of the movable plates 162 and 164. The screws 176 pass through the holes 177 in the plate 168, FIGURE 24, and into tapped holes 179, FIGURE 36, in the bottom of platform 174.

The plate 162 has a bottom enlargement 178, FIG- URES 27 and 35, which provides an extension 180 underneath the corrugations of the edge 152. This edge 180 passes underneath the lower ends 182 of the edge corrugations 154, FIGURES 24 and 29, and this produces the inward bending of the tabs 86a, FIGURE 11, so these tabs can pass downwardly through the opening 81 in the chute 88 heretofore described. Likewise, the plate 164 has an enlargement 184 at the bottom, FIGURES 31 and 33, which forms a lip 186 underneath the corrugations of the edge 158, the lip 186 being adapted to pass under the lower edge of the corrugations 160 in the plate 172 to bend the end tabs 86 and 86a of the cover, FIGURE 11, so these can also pass downwardly through the opening 81 in the chute 88.

The plate 164 has corner extensions 187, FIGURES 30 and 32, which pass around the corners 155, FIGURE 11, and produce a smoothing and sealing effect on such corners in cooperation with the corner teeth 189, FIGURES 24 and 28, of plate 172 when the levers 126 are moved into crimping position. Because of the double strokes of levers 126, no similar extensions are necessary on the plates 162.

The bottoms 182 of the edges 154 in the central plate 172 are rounded as shown in FIGURE 29. This rounded construction guides the inner edge of the upward lip 191), FIGURE 12, on the cover 176, to position the cover and receptacle exactly under the crimping mechanism.

The platform 174 is shown in FIGURES 36 and 37. This platform has a bottom surface 192 and outwardly di rected, fulcrum supporting, arms 194 and 196. The arms 194 are provided with openings 198 for the reception of fulcrum pins 148, FIGURE 13, about which the levers 126 rock. The arms 196 have holes 200 for the reception of fulcrum pins 202, FIGURE 40, about which the levers 124 rock.

The vertically reciprocating rod 130, FIGURES 13 and 40, is aligned at the bottom by the rod 131, which is guided in the vertical hole 133 in the central hub 133a of the stationary platform 174. The rod 133 is tapped into the plunger 132 at 131a.

The platform 1.74 has two cylindrical extensions 204. If desired, as shown in FIGURES 36 and 37, the extensions 284 and the central hub 133a may be joined by the web 205. The extensions 204 have threaded openings 2% for the reception of supporting rods 208, FIGURES 13 and 40, which in turn are hung by the thread and nut constructions 239 from an adjustable platform 210, FIG- URES l, 3 and 40. The platform 210 is adjustably supported on two pillars 212 which are secured in the base 214, which is supported at the top of the cabinet 216 of the machine.

The platform 210 has two housings 218 through which the pillars 212 pass. The housings 218 are internally cylindrical and deeply threaded near the top at 219, and are smooth and of smaller diameter at 221 to slide on the pillars 212. The cones 220 are split at 222 and are externally and conically deeply threaded at 223, so that they engage the deep threads 219. The cones 220 can be turned by the knurled surfaces 223a and tightened between the two pillars 212 and the housings 218. If desired, suitable bushing constructions, not shown, can be provided inside the housings 218 to provide the internal surfaces heretofore described. The cones 220 are tightened or released for the raising or lowering of the platform 210, to adjust for different heights of receptacles.

A plate 224, FIGURE 40, is supported at the top of the pillars 212. A rod 226 has a threaded part which has a threaded engagement with the platform 210 at 228. Washers 230 are fixedly secured on each side of the platform 224 to the rod 226, and a handle 232 is secured to the rod 226 for turning it. The cones 2211 may be released and the rod 226 may be turned to raise and lower the platform 210. Thereafter, the cones 220 may be tightened to maintain the adjustment. In this manner the distance between the crimping plates 162, 164 and 172 and the top of the elevating head 88 may be adjusted to accept different heights of receptacles.

Rcciprocation f the crimping mechanism The rod 130, FIGURES 13 and 40, is reciprocally guided in the cylindrical bearing 234 in the platform 210. The cylindrical rod 130 has a bushing 236 at the top which is internally threaded at 237 and has a pin 238 extending into the slot 240 in the rod 130. A compression spring 242 is held between the bushing 236 and the cylindrical extension 244 on the plunger 132 which has a pin 246 to lock the plunger 132 to the rod 14-0. The bushing 236 receives a threaded rod 248 which has a fork 251) for the reception of a substantially horizontal lever 252, FIG- URE 3, which is fulcrumed at 254 on a lever 256 which is fulcrumed at 258 to the platfrom 210. The lever 252 is adjustably secured to the cylindrical rod 260 through the medium of a short rod 262 and a tightening clamp adjustment 264 of the split end 263a of well known construction. The rod 26% is vertically reciprocated by the lever 266, which is secured to the rod 260 at the fork 267, FIG- URE 6. The lever 266 is fulcrumed at shaft 268 and forms a part of a bell crank-like construction which has another arm 270 which has a pin and roller 272 riding in the groove 274 of the pulley or wheel 276 which is turned by the shaft 72, FIGURE 20. The levers 266 and 271i and shaft 268 are supported by the base 271, FIGURE 6, which is fixed to the framework of the machine. The shaft 72 is driven by the gear wheel 278, FIGURES and 21, which is in mesh with the gear wheel 122, which is secured to the shaft 70 heretofore described. The vertical reciprocation of the rod 260 in turn vertically reciprocates the plunger rod 130, FIGURE 40, and this in turn reciprocates the crimping plunger 132 heretofore described. The slot 240, in the rod 131), FIGURE 40, permits the pin 238 and the bushing 236 to move downward relatively to the rod 130 if any accidental or abnormal resistance to the downward movement of the plunger 132 should occur. Ordinarily the compression strength of the spring 242 holds the bushing 236 and pin 138 in unyielding condition for normal operation of the head 132, and yields only when an abnormal obstruction or abnormal binding action occurs within the crimping mechanism.

Reciprocation of the elevating head 88 The reciprocation of head 88, FIGURES 1, 3, 9 and 10 is produced by the vertical reciprocation of the rod 280, its which the head 88 is attached by means of the pin or (extension 282. The rod 280 is slidably held by bearing plates 284, carried by the framework of the machine. The rod 280 has a pin 286 secured thereto which is joined to link 288 by the pin 290. The link 288 is joined by the pin 292 to the lever 294. The lever 294 is fulcrumed at .296, and has a roller 2% at its end which rides under the eccentric 333 which is driven by the shaft 72.

The head 88 has a base 302, FIGURES 9 and 10, to which the parallel plates 304 are secured by means of the pins 396. The plates 304 are spaced apart at slots 89 which do not receive cables 58 and at slots 308 which do receive the cables 58. Plates 316 and 312 are secured respectively to an outer plate 304, and another plate 364 to adjust the width of the head 88 for different sizes of receptacles 5h. The plate 313 is secured to plate 304 by :screws 311, and the plate 312 is secured by screws 313, which are downwardly directed into threaded openings in the selected plate 304. The empty slots 89 receive the trigger arms 6t? as indicated in dotted lines in FIGURE 10. When the head 88 is in its upper position, as shown in FIGURE 1, the books 314, FIGURE 1, extend into the head 88, but allow the head 88 to move downwardly without interference from the hooks 314 or from any part of the arms 60. Holes 304a and 3341) may be made in plates 304 to lighten the weight of the head 88.

Construction and operation of the tripping mechanism and arms 60 The details of the tripping mechanism are shown mainly in FIGURES 1, 3, 7, 8, 20 and 21. A plate 320 is adjustably held against the vertical panel 321 by the spring constructions 322 and by the shaft construction 324. The adjustment is accomplished by turning a dial 326 which turns the earn 328 and rocks the plate 320 about the bearing sleeve 330, which is welded at 332 to the plate 320. The sleeve 333 has a bearing surface at 334 on the vertical supporting plate 321.

A shaft 336 has a bearing contact with the sleeve 330 and is secured at 337 to the bushing 338 at one end and is secured at 339 to the bushing 34% at the other end. Turning of the bushing 340 also turns the bushing 338 the same amount. The bushing 340 has the arms 60 secured thereto and is rocked by these arms when a receptacle, such as 50a in FIGURE 1, pushes the books 314 leftward to the dotted line position 60a under the frictional drive of the top runs 458 of the cables 58. When the arms 60 reach the position 69a in FIGURE 1, and the full line position in FIGURE 7, the rod 34-2 on the bushing 338 closes the switch 62 and energizes the magnetic clutch 64, in FIGURE 23, until the holding switch is closed by the cam 102.

Another rod, 344, FIGURES 7 and 8, carried the counterweight 346, which is sufficiently heavy to return the arms 60 to the full line position of FIGURE 1 as soon as the receptacle has been moved substantially to the position 50b in FIGURE 1. Thereupon the arms 60 move from the position 60a of FIGURE 1 to a position slightly to the right of the full line position of FIGURE 1 under the impulse of the weight 346. The weight 346 is light enough to permit the leftward movement of the arms 60 under the frictional impulse of the cables 58 acting upon the receptacle to be covered.

The rod 348 is slidably adjustable and secured by pin 349 in the bushing 338 to counterbalance the arms 60.

The eccentric 328 moved in the slot 350 and rocks the plate 320 and its supporting sleeve 330 in the bearing structure 334 of plate 321. The eccentric 328 is secured to a shaft 352 which in turn is secured to the adjusting dial 326. The handle 326 is locked in place by the set screw 356 which passes through the curved slot 358 of 9 the handle 326 and enters the tapped opening 360 in the plate'321.

The spring constructions 322 each includes a rod 358 which is tapped into the plate 321 at 360 and passes through the larger opening 362 in the plate 320. A spring 364 engages a washer366 at the end of the opening 362 and engages the lock nuts 368 and 369 and washer 370 at the other end of the rod 2358f The spring construction 322 frictionally holds the plate 320 against the plate 321 but permits adjustment about the axis of the sleeve 330, as heretofore described.

The adjustment of the plate 320 about the axis of the sleeve 330 varies slightly the position at which the receptacle 60a, FIGURE 1, closes the switch 62 which is also carried by the plate 321. When the plate 321 is adjusted counterclockwise, the receptacle 60a must travel a longer distance on the cables 58 in order to trip the switch 62. In this manner, the trip mechanism is adjusted or calibrated and can be adjusted for various sizes of receptacles.

The feeding of the lowest cover 76 from the cover stack 78 FIGURES 1, 6, 11, 12, 14-23, 38, 39, 41 and 42 show the feeding action of the lowest cover '76 from the stack 78. I

The vacuum cup 116, FIGURES 41 and 42, is adapted to engage the underside of the lowestcover in the. stack 78 and to pull it downwardly by vacuum suction and downward movement of the cup. The remaining covers of the stack 78 remain in the stack holding structure 374-. The vacuum cup 116 pulls the-lowest cover.76 past the fingers 376, FIGURES 38 and 39, which are pivoted on-the pins 378. The fingers 376 are urged inwardly by the springs 380 which yieldingly push the levers 376 inward. The springs 380 may be blocks of resilient rubber, and their inward force may be regulated by the turning of the screws 382, which are threaded on the supporting boxes 384. i The screws 382 have their ends engagingthe springs 330, or metal coversthereof, not shown. The positioning screws 386 pass through the fingers 376 and engage the channel :388 which forms one side of the stack holding structure 374.

I Another channel 388 forms the other side of the. stack holder, and the two channels 388 are held in position by the horizontal plates 3%, whichare welded to the flanges of the channels 388. Both sides of the structure 374 have the fingers 376.

The fingers 376have slanting edges 392 which permit the outertabs 86a of the covers 76 to pass downwardly when pulled down by the vacuum cup 116. These fingers 376 have sufiicient inward force to hold the next cover 76. and the stack 78 up within the structure 374 in readiness forthe next cycle. l I

The vacuum cup 116 is made of softrubber and has a feather edge lip 394, FIGURE 42. Platforms 3 96 extend upwardly almostto the level of the feather edge 394, but are spaced a short distance belowsuch level, The platforms 396 prevent the thin sheet metal cover 76 from collapsing downwhen the vacuum is applied. Channels 3% extend around the cup 116 just inside the feather edge 394. The channels 393 are connected to the opening 402 which extends downwardly through the center of the vacuum cup and which opening is adapted to receive a metal tube 404, FIGURES 1 and38. Tube 4134 is connected to a flexible tube 112 which leads to the intake 407 .of the vacuum pump 14, FIGURE 1. The discharge 117 of the vacuum pump 114, FIGURE 23, leads to the nozzle 79 in the chute 80. l

The vacuum cup 116 is moved up and down bymeans of the lever 406, FIGURES 19 and 22, which is secured to the tube 464 and is fulcrumed at 4&8 on the plate 410, which is carried by the platform 210.

The fulcrum or shaft 498 is connected to the lever 412,- FIGURE 22. The lever 412 is connected by the rod 414 to the eccentric pin 121 on the gearwheel 122 heretofore described, and which is mounted on shaft 7 0. The length of the rod 414 is adjustable at the sleeve and wing nut construction 415. The shaft 70 is'driven by magnetic clutch 64, heretofore described, which is energized for one complete cycle, during which cycle the vacuum cup 116 is moved downwardly through the opening 118 in the chute 30, which is shown in FIGURES 14-18, and back to upper position The movement of the vacuum cup 116, and all of the members driven bythe'shafts 7ll'and 72, FIGURE 20, is stopped not only by the'opening of the holding switch 10% but also by the action of the brake shoe 426, FIG- URE 21, which engages the brake surface 428 on the level-431), which is upwardly urged by the spring 432. Lever 430 is pivoted at the fulcrum 434.

The vacuum pump 114 is continuously rotated by the motor 96 as long as the machine is maintained in operation bythe closing of the master switch 94. A vacuum is imposed on the cup 116 during the proper part of the cycle by closing the solenoid 'valve 108, FIGURE 23. Closing of the valve 103 prevents atmospheric air from entering through the inlet 419 and this prevents any relief air from entering the suction line 112 and the pump intake 407. Thus, a vacuum is imposed on the cup 116. Soon after, the cup 116 is pulled down by the lever 406 until the top of the vacuum cup 116 is substantially at the floor of the chute 80. At this time, the solenoid valve 108 is opened by the action ofswitch 104 to release the cover 76 which has been pulled down by the vacuum cup. This cover slides down the chute with its longest tab 86 in groove 84- and is aided downwardly by the jet 79. The shelf 84a runs along the chute 3d and supports the tab 86a of the cover 76 which is opposite the long tab 86. These two tabs support the cover 76 so the transverse tabs 86 do not contact the floor 124 of the chute 88. This reduces the friction of the cover on the chute 80. The cover finally reaches the opening 81 where it rests with its tabs on the flanges 123, 123:: and 12812, FIG- URES 17 and 1s.

The cover reaches the opening 81, during any one cycle, after the elevating head 88 has completed its upward and downward movement during such cycle. Therefore the cover released during any one cycle waits in the opening 81, for the upward rise of the receptacle 51 which will be elevated by the elevating head 88 during the next cycle. This timing of cover release is accomplished by moving the vacuum cap 116 and elevating head 88' substantially in unison.

The chute Rt) is supported by the shelf 420, which is carried by the bottom of the plate 410, which in turn is supported by platform 210. The floor of the chute .80 receives the screws 422 which pass down into the shelf 429.

Different sizes of stack structures 374, FIGURES 38 and 39, may be provided for different sizes of covers 76 and receptacles 50. Likewise, different sizes of chutes 80, with different sizes of openings 118 and 81, etc., may be provided for such different sizes of covers and receptacles.

The shelf .429 is a rectangular plate which is placed underneath the chute and is secured thereto by screws 422. The shelf 421) extends under the lower edge of the plate 410, and is secured thereto by the two screws 423, as shown in FIGURES 14-16. The cover stack structure is secured to the plate 410 in an adjustable manner. For this purpose, the transverse plate 396a, FIGURE '38, behind the lower front plate 390 is made wider and has a central bolt hole 440 and slots 442, FIGURE 38, for the reception of securing and adjusting bolts, not shown, which pass through suitable openings in the plate 410. The stack structure 374 may thus be adjustably secured to the plate 410.

The foregoing dispensing mechanism is also applicable to remove similar articles from stacks of other container parts.

Details of the cables 55 and 58 and belts of FIGURE 20, guide rails, etc.

Referring particularly to FIGURES 1, 3 and 20, the cables 58 rotate on the pulleys 450 and 452, which are on shafts 68 and 74, respectively. The upper runs 458 of the cables 58 are supported on a horizontal plate 460 to prevent the runs from sagging between the pulleys 450 and 452. The lower runs of the cables 58 are raised over the pulleys 462 to raise the lower runs over the tripping mechanism. The pulleys 462 rotate on shafts 463 which are supported on the framework, not shown. The plate 460 has slots, not shown, to permit the tripping arms 60 to move back and forth through the plate 460.

The cables 55 pass under the outer pulleys 452, FIG- URES 1 and 20, which are carried by the shaft 74. The cables 55 have vertical runs 464 which pass over the pulleys 466 and 468 to form the horizontal runs shown in FIGURE 2. These horizontal runs are guided by the vertical shaft pulleys 470, 472 and 474. These pulleys 470, 472 and 474 are horizontally adjustable so containers of different sizes may be fed between the duplicate cables 55 which are under the two supporting plates 56. This adjustment is provided by slots, such as 478, along which the vertical shafts of the pulleys 470, 472 and 474 may be adjusted.

Referring to FIGURE 20, a chain belt 480 connects the pulleys 482., which are fixed on the shafts 68 and 74 to provide a positive drive between these two shafts. Belt 484 drives the gear reducer 98 from the motor 96. The belt 486 drives the vacuum pump 114 from the motor 96. Suitable shaft bearings are provided from the various shafts and are supported from suitable framework, not shown.

Guide rails 488 are placed on both sides of the cables 58, FIGURES 1 and 2. These rails are bent outwardly at 4% at their ends and are adjustably held in clamps 492 to provide lateral adjustment for different sizes of receptacles.

The adjustments for diflerenl sizes receptacles The machine is readily modified or adjusted for various sizes of receptacles and covers.

For example, vertical adjustment of platform 210, as previously described, varies the vertical distance between the top travel of the elevator head 88, shown in FIGURE 1, and the operating level of the crimping plates 162, 164 and 172. This permits the machine to accept receptacles of different heights.

The top of the elevator head 88 may be modified by variously locating the plate 312 to accept receptacles of different horizontal extent transversely to the direction of travel.

The tripping mechanism and the travel of arms 60 may be adjusted by the turning of dial 326 to select the distance of travel of the front ends of the receptacles before the tripping action takes place. This enables the machine to accept receptacles of different horizontal extent in the direction of travel of the receptacles.

The crimping mechanism, including the plunger 132, platform 174, levers 124 and 126, and crimping plates 162, 164 and 172, etc., may be removed and different ones substituted, which are capable of accepting receptacles and covers of the desired size.

The chute 80 and cover stack holder 374 may be removed =and others of different size may be substituted to accept covers of different sizes.

The distance between the two cables 55 may be spread outward, or narrowed inwardly, to accept receptacles of different transverse horizontal extent.

The adjustment of length of rod 260 permits the vertical adjustment of the platform 210 and elements carried thereby.

The adjustment of the length of the rod 414, and if desired, the adjustment of the length of throw of pin 121, in a suitable slot, or in different tapped openings is gear wheel 122, now shown, permits adjustment of the length of travel of the vacuum cup 116, if necessary.

Since the operation of the machine has been briefly described immediately following the description of the drawing figures, such description is not now repeated, and reference is hereby made to such previous description.

While the form of the invention now preferred has been disclosed as required by statute, other forms may be used, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow.

What I claim is:

1. In combination: a container and cover crimping mechanism; continuously moving conveyor means operatively interconnected to said crimping mechanism and passing thereunder for feeding a container under said crimping mechanism; arresting means operatively interconnected to said crimping mechanism to arrest movement of a leading container on said conveyor means, said arresting means being movable from one position thereof to an arresting position thereof; means operatively interconnected to said crimping mechanism for feeding a cover over said container and under said crimping mechanism; elevator means operatively interconnected to said crimping mechanism for elevating said container from said conveyor means to said cover and said container and cover to said crimping mechanism, said elevator means being actuated by movement of said arresting means from its one position to its arresting position, said elevator means arresting movement of the remaining containers on said conveyor means while said elevator means is in a raised condition so that said arresting means can move away from its arresting position back to its one position; means operatively interconnected to said crimping mechanism for operating said crimping mechanism to crimp said elevated cover and container together; and means operatively interconnected to said elevator means to lower said elevator means from said crimping mechanism to place said crimped cover and container on said conveyor means so that said crimped cover and container will be fed away from beneath said crimping mechanism by said conveyor means.

2. In combination: a container and cover securing mechanism; continuously moving conveyor means operatively interconnected to said mechanism and passing thereunder for feeding a container under said mechanism; arresting means operatively interconnected to said securing mechanism to arrest movement of the leading container on said conveyor means, said arresting means being movable from one position thereof to an arresting position thereof; means operatively interconnected to said mechanism for feeding a cover over said container and under said mechanism; elevator means operatively interconnected to said mechanism for elevating said container from said conveyor means to said cover and said container and cover to said mechanism, said elevator means being actuated by movement of said arresting means from its one position to its arresting position, said elevator means arresting movement of the remaining containers on said conveyor means while said elevator means is in raised condition so that said arresting means can move away from its arresting position back to its one position; means operatively interconnected to said mechanism for operating said mechanism to secure said elevated cover and container together; and means operatively interconnected to said elevator means to lower said elevator means from said mechanism to place said secured cover and container on said conveyor means so that said secured cover and container will be fed away from beneath said mechanism by said conveyor means.

3. In combination: a substantially horizontal and continuous moving conveyor; a cover and container securing mechanism above said conveyor and intermediate the ends thereof; a tripping mechanism for stopping a container on said conveyor under said mechanism, said tripping mechanism being movable from one position thereof to an arresting position thereof; means for feeding a cover over said container and under said mechanism; an elevator for elevatingsaid container and said cover to said mechanism, said elevator being actuated by movement of said tripping means from its one position to its arresting position, saidelevator. arresting movement of the remaining containers on said. conveyor while said elevator is in its raised condition so that said tripping meansican move away from its arresting positionbackto its one position; means for operating said mechanism to secure said cover and container when said container and cover have been elevated to said mechanism; and means for lowering said elevator to remove said secured cover and container from said mechanism and place said secured cover and container on said conveyor to be fed away from beneath said mechanism.

4, In combination: a substantially horizontal and continuously moving conveyor including a plurality of parallel cable movable in a horizontal path; arresting means to arrest movement of the leading container on said conveyor means, said arresting means being movable from one position thereof toanarresting position thereof; a cover. and container. securing. mechanism above said conveyor and intermediate the ends thereof; an elevator head having a plurality of slots movable up between said cables to elevate a container from said conveyor to said mechanism with a cover thereon; means to operate said mechanism when said container and cover have been elevated to said mechanism; and means to elevate and lower said head to and from said mechanism, said last-named means being actuated by movement of said arresting means from its one position to its arresting position, said last-named means arresting movement of the remaining containers on said conveyor while said last-named means is in raised condition so that said arresting means can move away from its arresting position back to its one position.

5. In combination: a substantially horizontal and continuously moving conveyor; a cover and container securing mechanism above said conveyor and intermediate the ends thereof; means for feeding a cover over a container on said conveyor; a tripping mechanism for stopping said container under said mechanism, said tripping mechanism being movable from one position thereof to an arresting position thereof; an elevator for elevating said container and cover to said mechanism, said elevator being actuated by movement of said tripping mechanism from its one position to its arresting position, said elevator arresting movement of the remaining containers on said conveyor while said elevator is in raised condition so that said tripping mechanism can move away from its arresting position back to its one position; means for operating said mechanism when said container and cover have been elevated; and means for lowering said elevator to remove said secured cover and container from said mechanism and place said secured cover and container on said conveyor to be fed away from beneath said mechanism and place said secured cover and container on said conveyor to be fed awayfrom beneath said mechanism.

6. In combination: a plurality of endless cables continuously movable in parallel relationship with upper runs to carry a series of containers; an elevator head below said upper runs of said cables and having slots between parallel vertical plates to permit said plates to move above said runs; and a tripping arm having means to arrest the travel of a container on said upper runs above said elevator head, said tripping arm being movable from one position thereof to an arresting position thereof, said tripping arm when in said arresting position causing upward operation of said head to lift said container from said cable, said elevator head arresting movement of the remaining containers on said cables while. said elevator head is in raised condition so that said tripping arm can move away from its arresting position back toits one position.

7. In combination: a horizontal and continuously moving conveyorto convey containers; a cover and container securing mechanism above said conveyor intermediate the ends thereof; an elevator below said conveyor and said mechanism; means to arrest the first of a series of containers on said conveyor directly below said mechanism and above said elevator, said arresting means being movable from one position thereof to an arresting position thereof; a chute having an opening below said mechanism and above said elevator and having means to hold a cover over said opening; means serially to feed covers along said chute into said opening; means to cause said elevator to raise said container through said opening to a cover in said opening and said container and cover to said mechanism, said last-named means being actuated by movement of said arresting means from its one position to its arresting position, said elevator arresting movement of the remaining containers on said conveyor, while said elevator isin raised condition so that said arresting means can move away from its arresting position back to its one position; means to cause operation of said mechanism when said container and cover are elevated to said mechanism; and means to cause said elevator to return said secured cover and container to said conveyor to cause said conveyor to remove said secured cover container from beneath said mechanism.

8. In combination: a continuously running, endless, plural cable, horizontal conveyor to convey containers on said conveyor; a crimping mechanism above said conveyor and intermediate the ends thereof; an elevator below said conveyor and said mechanism and movable upwardly between said plural cables; means serially to arrest the first of a series of containers on said cables directly below said mechanism and above said elevator, said arresting means being movable from one position thereof to an arresting position thereof; a chute having an opening below said mechanism and above said elevator and having means to hold a cover over said opening; means serially to feed a cover along said chute into said opening; means to cause said elevator to raise said container through said opening to said cover and said container and cover to said mechanism, said lastnamed means being actuated by movement of said arresting means from its one position to its arresting position, said elevator arresting movement of the remaining containers on said conveyor while said elevator is in raised condition so that arresting means can move away from its arresting position back to its one position; means to cause operation of said crimping mechanism when said container and cover are elevated to said mechanism; and means to cause said elevator to return said crimped cover and container to said conveyor to cause said conveyor to remove said crimped cover and container from beneath said mechanism.

9. In combination: a container and cover securing mechanism; continuously moving conveyor means operatively interconnected to said mechanism and passing thereunder for feeding a container under said mechanism; arresting means operatively interconnected to said ing container on said conveyor means, said arresting crimping mechanism "to arrest movement of the leading container on said conveyor means, said arresting means being movable from one position thereof to an arresting position thereof; elevator means operatively interconnected to said crimping mechanism for elevating said container from said conveyor means to said mechanism, said elevator means being actuated by movement of said arresting means from its one position to its arresting position, said elevator means arresting movement of the remaining containers on said conveyor means while said elevator is in raised condition so that said arresting means can move away from its arresting position back to its one position; means operatively interconnected to said mechanism for operating said mechanism to secure a cover to said elevated container; and means operatively interconnected to said elevator means to lower said elevator means from said mechansim to place said covered container on said conveyor means so that said covered container will be fed away from beneath said mechanism by said conveyor means.

10. In combination: a container and cover securing mechanism; a continuously movable conveyor means operatively interconnected to said mechanism for feeding containers to said mechanism; a first movable means for arresting movement of the leading container on said conveyor means in a predetermined position on said conveyor means to prevent movement of said leading container and the remaining containers on said conveyor means, said first movable means being movable from one position thereof to an arresting position thereof; and a second movable means for engaging the container next adjacent to said leading container to hold said remaining containers from movement on said conveyor means so that said leading container can be moved independently of the remaining containers by said second movable means, said second movable means being actuated by movement of said first movable means from its one position to its arresting position.

11. A combination as set forth in claim 10 wherei said second movable means comprises elevator means for elevating said leading container to said mechanism.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,333,084 Kruse Mar. 9, 1920 1,387,640 Brainard Aug. 16, 1921 1,762,532 Sebell June 10, 1930 1,794,005 Enock Feb. 24, 1931 1,884,690 Hogan Oct. 25, 1932 1,930,402 Troyer et al. Oct. 10, 1933 1,948,344 Fischer Feb. 20, 1934 1,989,039 Geyer Jan. 22, 1935 2,060,967 Anderson Nov. 17, 1936 2,087,251 Gough July 20, 1937 2,167,895 Kotcher Aug. 1, 1939 2,180,954 Harrison Nov. 21, 1939 2,296,201 Carter Sept. 15, 1942 2,330,597 Kotcher Sept. 28, 1943 2,352,763 Bell July 4, 1944 2,382,405 Eckman Aug. 14, 1945 2,664,060 Hammond Dec. 29, 1953 2,682,331 Campbell June 29, 1954 2,701,674 Christiansen Feb. 8, 1955 3,070,215 Spinks et al. Dec. 25, 1962 

1. IN COMBINATION: A CONTAINER AND COVER CRIMPING MECHANISM; CONTINUOUSLY MOVING CONVEYOR MEANS OPERATIVELY INTERCONNECTED TO SAID CRIMPING MECHANISM AND PASSING THEREUNDER FOR FEEDING A CONTAINER UNDER SAID CRIMPING MECHANISM; ARRESTING MEANS OPERATIVELY INTERCONNECTED TO SAID CRIMPING MECHANISM TO ARREST MOVEMENT OF A LEADING CONTAINER ON SAID CONVEYOR MEANS, SAID ARRESTING MEANS BEING MOVABLE FROM ONE POSITION THEREOF TO AN ARRESTING POSITION THEREOF; MEANS OPERATIVELY INTERCONNECTED TO SAID CRIMPING MECHANISM FOR FEEDING A COVER OVER SAID CONTAINER AND UNDER SAID CRIMPING MECHANISM; ELEVATOR MEANS OPERATIVELY INTERCONNECTED TO SAID CRIMPING MECHANISM FOR ELEVATING SAID CONTAINER FROM SAID CONVEYOR MEANS TO SAID COVER AND SAID CONTAINER AND COVER TO SAID CRIMPING MECHANISM, SAID ELEVATOR MEANS BEING ACTUATED BY MOVEMENT OF SAID ARRESTING MEANS FROM ITS ONE POSITION TO ITS ARRESTING POSITION, SAID ELEVATOR MEANS ARRESTING MOVEMENT OF THE REMAINING CONTAINERS ON SAID CONVEYOR MEANS WHILE SAID ELEVATOR MEANS IS IN A RAISED CONDITION SO THAT SAID ARRESTING MEANS CAN MOVE AWAY FROM ITS ARRESTING POSITION BACK TO ITS ONE POSITION; MEANS OPERATIVELY INTERCONNECTED TO SAID CRIMPING MECHANISM FOR OPERATING SAID CRIMPING MECHANISM TO CRIMP SAID ELEVATED COVER AND CONTAINER TOGETHER; AND MEANS OPERATIVELY INTERCONNECTED TO SAID ELEVATOR MEANS TO LOWER SAID ELEVATOR MEANS FROM SAID CRIMPING MECHANISM TO PLACE SAID CRIMPED COVER AND CONTAINER ON SAID CONVEYOR MEANS SO THAT SAID CRIMPED COVER AND CONTAINER WILL FED AWAY FROM BENEATH SAID CRIMPING MECHANISM BY SAID CONVEYOR MEANS. 